Priebus's Statement about Compliance with Immigration Laws Undermines His Credibility as Chairman of a National Party, Says FAIR

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, nonprofit, public-interest, membership organization of concerned citizens who share a common belief that our nation's immigration policies must be reformed to serve the ... Facebook Twitter Pinterest

The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) is a national, nonprofit, public-interest, membership organization of concerned citizens who share a common belief that our nation's immigration policies must be reformed to serve the national interest. Visit FAIR's website at www.fairus.org. (PRNewsFoto/FAIR)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus's statement that "self-deportation" by people who are violating U.S. immigration laws is "horrific," Dan Stein, the president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), issued the following statement:

"Chairman Priebus's assertion that efforts to get people to comply with U.S. immigration laws are 'horrific' further erodes his credibility as the leader of a national political party.

"Priebus not only repudiates his own party's presidential nominee, but also a broad segment of the American people who believe that enforcing our immigration laws is vital to protecting their economic security and the security of this nation. Systematically removing incentives for people to violate our laws and convincing them to comply with those laws is precisely the objective of immigration policy.

"The only thing that is 'horrific' about our immigration policy is the abject failure of our political leaders to put the interests of the American people ahead of narrow political and economic interests. Chairman Priebus's statement only reinforces the perception on the part of the American public that the political elite are out of touch with their concerns.

"As Congress debates immigration policy, both parties claim to support reforms designed to prevent illegal entry, and which would deter people who do enter from remaining here. If, in Chairman Priebus's opinion, such policies are 'horrific' with regard to dealing current illegal aliens, why would they be acceptable when applied to future illegal aliens?

"Chairman Priebus needs to clarify his remarks and explain to the American people why he did not express his concerns about his party's candidate before the election, and why the American people should have confidence that his party will stand behind the policy positions its leaders are now advocating."